v4 issue 37: Best of Etsy - Spring

This week we bring you some of our favorite Etsy shops. Etsy is community of independent artists and designers featuring original handmade items. PLUS: Contaminants in Bath Products, take a stand!


Cover by Christie Archer








1 A 27" x 39" piece of art which is both functional and graphically funtabulous! Definitely tons of bang for your buck with this masterpiece. Teach the alphabet, learn to spell a name, point out colors... Look, learn, & play the artful way.-Penny People Designs.

2 Get ready for summer. Vibrant colors, bold patterns, and a touch of feminine will make these dresses at Zozo Bug Baby a summer favorite. Available for girls of 6 months to 10 years. Enter code: TotTrends at checkout for FREE shipping.

3 Two to four layers of frilly, pretty fun. Pettiskirts from Rachel on the Flower are a staple to any fashionistas wardrobe. With so many colors to choose from, who wouldn't want a whole collection?

4 How sweet this is! A custom silhouette of your child is created and set as the background to a one-of-a-kind invitation. Complete with envelopes and 1 1/2" round address labels, a set of 10 is only $16.00 at Babycakes Art Enter code: tottrends at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase

5 Whimsy Couture is the place to find fun vintage inspired clothing for your little girl. You will adore this sweet and we do mean sweet cupcake twirl skirt. Pair it with this brown peasant top and hair accessories for just the right outfit for a special occasion. Size 6m-8yrs. Enter code: TOTTRENDS04/09 at checkout for 15% off, Exp. 4/30/09.

6 Dress up diapers with Sweet Smiles Baby. This talented designer creates and sews these adorable diaper covers herself. We love the denim pockets cover for boys as well as her girls Kimono Sweet Bottoms adorned in a large bow. Arrives in an adorable net bag ready for gift giving.Enter code: TTW at checkout for 10% off, Exc. shipping

7 Pass out a big WOW at your next play date with some of Candice Katie's Art. 48 of these brilliant business-like cards come packed inside the sweetest decorative tin. What a wonderful idea to keep things organized and quick in the chaotic world of motherhood.

8 Ambitious tots will look super sweet in this Sky blue onesie with applique necktie. Sizes 0-3 months with many fabric tie patterns to choose from at the Very KIKI's Shop. This one is too cute for words!-$15. Enter cod: tottrends at checkout for for 10% off your total purchase

9 Absolutely adorable A-line dresses from The Trendy Tot have the fabulous advantage of being flexible. This flexibility allows the dresses to be worn as a dress, a top, with jeans, with tights... making it a wise and economical purchase! Enter code: TOTTRENDS at checkout for FREE shipping on any in-stock SALE ITEM only. Exp. 5/1/09


Contaminants in Bath Products

Children’s Bath Products Tainted with Cancer-Causing Chemicals

Lack of Regulatory Oversight Allows Toxic Products in Marketplace

In March 2009, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released a national report called Toxic Tub, which revealed that despite claims like “gentle” and “pure,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath products contain unregulated cancer-causing chemicals. The report found formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, both carcinogens, in several popular baby products including Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Sesame Street Bubble Bath, and Huggies Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea baby wash.

Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known to cause cancer in animals, and are listed as probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency. Formaldehyde can also trigger skin rashes in some children.

Most Americans believe that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates cosmetics, but unfortunately, the FDA has almost no authority over the 50 billion dollar industry. In the U.S., these companies operate through “self-regulation,” and can use nearly any ingredient in personal care products sold here, with no required safety assessment.

Other nations, however, have stricter standards. Formaldehyde is banned from personal care products in Japan and Sweden. The European Union bans 1,4-dioxane from these products and has recalled any found to contain the chemical.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition founded by Clean Water Action and other organizations, has been working to move the cosmetics industry away from toxic chemicals in products like lotion, deodorant, bubble bath, fragrance and lipstick, as well as working to pass legislation that would empower the FDA to regulate these everyday products. While they have made major strides, there is no shortage of work ahead.

What You Can Do To Limit Your Exposure and Make Change

• Avoid using products that may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, including ingredients sodium myreth sulfate, PEG compounds and chemicals with "xynol," "ceteareth" and "oleth" in name. Similarly, avoid products that contain formaldehye-releasing preservatives, including quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
• Simplify: Select products with fewer ingredients and no synthetic fragrance or dyes, and use fewer products overall.
• Choose safely: Search Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep, to learn more about the products you use and find safer alternatives.
• Take action! Can’t memorize these lists? Nobody can. If harmful contaminants and ingredients weren’t allowed in products, you wouldn’t have to. Tell Congress you want safe products.

Visit Clean Water Action’s Campaign for Healthy, Safer Families and Communities for more information.

Sarah Holzgraf
Clean Water Action
(603) 622-8151
sholzgraf@cleanwater.org



Showcase- Em Tanner Designs

It began with a simple present-a "big bro" t-shirt....then burst at the seams with ideas! creativity continually rolls off the press at EMTanner Designs.

Em, a crazy mommy of 4, has managed to turn her passion into a company w/staff and a warehouse and she honestly hasn't a clue how it all happened! It is all pretty much a blur up to this point.





We offer surprisingly unique gifts that will please even the most selective shopper! How much fun are matching sibling tees on vacation? Pick up one of the original funky aluminum lunchboxes for your savvy school kiddos!



Clever dry erase family planners any mom is sure to love...or the quirky melamine plate collection to color code everyone at dinner time!

It's now going on four years and we just recently got a "facelift"! Swing by and check out our great new site and we are adding new products daily! The possibilities are endless with us!






Enter code: TOTTRENDS to receive 20% off your entire purchase.

v4 issue 36: Along for the Ride

Make travel time easy and fun with these products. Be sure to read our article on traveling with toddlers as well as our car seat safety tips.


Cover by Shannon Stewart










1 A compact, sleek design. Amazingly simple to use. The minui HandySitt converts adult chairs into an instant high chair. Great for traveling and everyday use (...with no cracks and crevices for the accumulation of the dreaded crud!). Enter code: trends for $10 off orders of $149 or more. Exp. 4/19/09.

2 Spot Me ID has a variety of personal identification items to help ease the fear of losing children in crowded public places. Bracelets, lanyards, and tattoos can be personalized with contact information, so a child can be returned to their parents immediately, should they get lost.

3 Made of organic cotton, the blue celery baby sling offers a two shoulder option for more comfort. Easy to use with no complicated tying. Works from the day they arrive to the day they weigh 35 lbs!- parentingbynature.com. Enter code: tottrends for 10% off your purchase.

4 The Travel With Me down pillow is 12" x 16" of plush comfort. With or without the feathers, you can rest assured children will sleep tight on a jet, in a car, or on a train...wherever the trip takes you. Be sure to pick up their disposable airline pillowcases to Keep germs at bay for yourself & your children, well worth $4.95 for a two-pack! Enter code: TOTS2009 for 15% off your purchase.

5 Treat your little diva to a vintage hatbox Valise. Generously sized case is 12 in. x 12 in. Comes equipped with sleeping mask, fleece blanket, and small pillow for ultimate travel comfort. Lined in durable canvas and covered in luxurious leatherette. -littlejetset.com.

6 No tot should fly the airways without an airplane backpack. Made to fit on the tray of an airplane, this handy dandy backpack holds up to 20 small-medium sized toys, games, and snacks. Provides a clean surface for eating and play, while toys stay safely contained in side pockets. New price $25! Enter code: TTW for 10% off your total order.

7 The Eglan Collection of Baby Bee Bags offers style, versatility, and ease of use. Can be used as a backpack, messenger bag, or over the shoulder. Easily adjusts to be hung on a stroller and comes in beautiful fabric choices.

8 Maneuverability, style, and compact design are all factors which make the Silver Cross Stroller fabulous. Great for traveling through jetports, busy city streets, and everyday trips to the mall. Excellent color choices. Can be used for newborns to toddlers!

9 Planewear Apparel cleverly combines travel inspired messages with quality baby wear. Easy to slip on pants match the cool accent colors of the onesies, and together they become perfect travelwear...adorable, yet sensible. Preemie designs available also. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your total order. Exp. 5/15/09.


Car Seat Safety Tips:
Car seats are a frequent source of confusion for parents. Some seats are designed to be used for babies, some for toddlers, and some for both. And installation can vary from seat to seat. Add to that the state-to-state variations in car seat laws, and it's easy to see how one might be puzzled.

Fortunately, there is help. Car seat manufacturers are required to make the age and weight limits of their seats clear. All new car seats are held to strict government standards. And free car seat inspections are becoming widely available, so you can have an expert look at your seat and see if it meets requirements and is installed correctly.

Car Seat Safety Tips:

A car seat can protect your toddler, but only if it is used correctly. Here are some things to remember.

Your toddler is safest when placed in the back seat. Back there he has less chance of being thrown from the vehicle in the event of a crash. Some states have laws that require children under certain ages to be in the back seat if possible.

Toddlers should not be placed where there is an airbag. Most newer model vehicles, however, have an airbag on/off switch you can use if your toddler must ride in the passenger seat.

Children who are under 1 year of age need to be in a rear facing seat, regardless of their weight. After his first birthday, your child can ride in a forward facing toddler seat if he meets the weight requirement.

Belt positioning booster seats provide maximum safety for children over 40 pounds. An increasing number of states are passing laws requiring the use of booster seats until children weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds. Even if your state doesn't require them, they are a good idea.

Read the instructions that come with your child's safety seat carefully. Installation is usually fairly easy, but it pays to make sure you're doing it correctly.

If the car seat is in a vehicle that is involved in a crash, it should be replaced. It may have been damaged even if it is not apparent. For this reason never buy or borrow a used car seat unless you are absolutely sure it was never involved in a crash.

If your toddler objects to sitting in a car seat, stand your ground. Safety is not negotiable. Let him know that the seat is for his protection, and that other kids have to ride in them as well.

Stay up to date on recalled car seats. Click here to check if your child safety seat has been recalled.

Car seats are essential to your child's safety when riding in a vehicle. They are also required by law for toddlers. Shopping around to find a model that is comfortable, durable, and easy to install is well worth it, because you will be using it for a few years.


Traveling with Toddlers

Just taking your toddler to the grocery store can be a daunting task. So it's no surprise that many parents cringe at the thought of going on a long car trip with their small child. Kids tend to get grumpy and impatient when they are in the car for a long time. But with some preparation, you can keep your toddler (and yourself) comfortable and happy when going out of town or on vacation. Here are some ideas.

Bring along some drawing supplies. Kids love to get creative when they are riding. If you're worried about having artwork on your toddler's clothing or the seats of your car, there are plenty of no-mess art options available. There are markers that only draw on special paper, magnetic drawing boards, and Etch-a-Sketches, for example.

Bring some favorite toys, but make sure they are easy to grab if dropped. There's nothing worse than riding down the road peacefully, then all of a sudden hearing wails of discontent because your toddler has dropped his favorite toy. Larger toys are easier for someone else in the car to grab, and if you have to stop you won't have to hunt for them in every nook and cranny.

Don't forget to bring snacks. Toddlers inevitably get hungry during trips, and it doesn't always happen at mealtime. Healthy snacks such as Cheerios or raisins fit nicely into snack baggies and allow your child to help himself. You could fill a sippy cup or two with juice to bring along in a cooler as well.

Pillows are essential if you are going to be traveling more than a couple of hours. Your toddler will get sleepy at some point on trips longer than that, and sleepy often equals cranky. Keeping your toddler comfortable will help ensure that he doesn't wake up cranky as well.

Get something new to give your toddler when departing. It doesn't have to be anything expensive. Just a new book or coloring book should generate enough excitement to keep your child occupied for many miles.

Plan a realistic number of rest stops. If you will be in the car for several hours, you will probably need to stop at least every two hours. If your child is potty trained you may have to alter your rest stop schedule a bit. But making sure to stop every so often and let your toddler stretch his legs will help ward off crankiness.

Bring some of your toddler's favorite music and have a sing along. This has the potential to keep your toddler occupied for hours on end, and it gives you something that you can do together while riding.

Road trips with your toddler can be enjoyable for all involved. Bringing along enough supplies to keep him occupied and his stomach full will help ensure his happiness. And a happy toddler is the key to a pleasant ride.

v4 issue 35: Read to Me

This week we encourage parents to promote the pleasure and enjoyment of reading. Watch as your child steps into the world of imagination through a book. We are thrilled to bring you some fantastic tools for promoting literacy.

Cover by Kirsty Hadjes









1 With the magic of DigiTells, you can create your own personalized audio book. Each package includes the software, headset, and step-by-step instructions to make an audio CD for any book you choose. What a wonderful idea for passing along memories and the love of reading! Enter code: TotTrendsWeekly for $10 off this program.

2 "Ella the Elegant Elephant" steps out of the pages of her story and plops herself down on a cozy pink nightgown. Lucky girls can enjoy both the comfy cotton sleepwear and heartwarming storybook for one low price at cwdkids. On sale for $29.99, was $46.

3 Rascals & Routines is a learning system with a mission to help parents and children develop healthy habits through positive routines. "The Carry Me Everywhere Suitcase" includes all 5 of the Rascals and Routines characters in 3" finger puppets, a super soft blankie, and a bedtime story all tucked into a gift box suitcase.

4 "Lawrence the Laughing Cookie Jar" is Mr. & Mrs. Bigelow's sidekick who helps out when the children overindulge in cookie madness. However, the children foster their creativity by finding new ways to out swindle Lawrence...making a great story in the process.-mpcpress.com

5 Charming poems and real-life photos make this book a delightful addition to a young child's @ home library. You can purchase "dandelion bubbles" individually for $7.95, or add it to some of the author's favorite books for a trio collection.

6 "I Love Chocolate", the delectable tale by Davide Cali, entices readers to use their senses in exploring the fabulous world of chocolate. 32 pages of chocolaty fun-which we're sure most of you can relate to!- tundrabooks.com

7 Readeez provides super clear audio pronunciation with large legible fonts to keep kids in sync with the words of the story. Perky tunes & lovable characters will have children watching again...and again...and again... There's no way they won't learn and have fun.

8 A fabulous idea to handle all of the overflowing masterpieces of childhood. Condense the artwork, and the wonderful thoughts that go with them, into a personalized book complete with professional typeset and a hardcover binding. So great, you'll want to make one for every year!-iseeme.com Enter code: FSR615 for $5 off on orders that are over $40!


Build A Solid Foundation For Literacy
It was 1960s Winston-Salem, North Carolina and my life was more boring than uncured ham. Growing up in the desegregating South, I felt the comforts of community, the sting of racism, and the desire to explore beyond my southern home. As educators, my parents exposed me to the library early in life where I spent most of my Saturdays. I remember the librarian who was the stereotypical bespectacled librarian taking me by the hand and leading the Saturday morning children crew through what seemed like the magical maze of the children’s section. She invited us to find a book that called our name, and after half an hour of hungrily roaming the aisles, she would call us back together and read our selections to us. We sat on the floor enthralled with the latest stories that stimulated our imaginations. This library experience built my listening skills, increased my attention span, expanded my thinking, and promoted discipline in a public setting. Most importantly, it established a love of reading at an early age that has stayed with me to this day.

Fast forward to 1987 Washington, DC, the year I gave birth to my only daughter. Rocking her in my arms, I wanted to spark her with the love of reading the librarian had lit for me. A news devourer, I began reading the Washington Post to my daughter when she was a baby. I started with the Style section, followed by the Metro, and then the World News and from the table carrier, to the high seat, to her own chair at the table; my daughter listened to me read the Post on a daily basis. When heading off to playgroups, trust me, my daughter was probably the most up-to-date news expert there.

My husband’s approach to reading to my daughter was softer. After taking her nightly bath, she would put on her cozy pajamas and settle in her bed, anticipating her nightly cup of water and a bedtime story from her father. It was their reading ritual. During her toddler and pre-school years, they chose the books together. When she got older, she chose the books that she wanted him to read to her. Each night my daughter clung to his every word as he read her favorite children’s books to her.

By reading to our daughter in her early years, we laid the foundation for raising a reader. Though our styles of reading to her were different, reading was a simple and enjoyable way for us to bond with our daughter and demonstrate her importance to us by establishing a one-on-one communication line.

Today, my daughter is an avid reader. Her early love of reading was instilled in her as an infant. In May, my daughter is graduating from college with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communication and Media Studies and a minor in Middle East Studies. In the fall she will be pursuing a Master’s in International Journalism from City University London. Her goal is to become an international correspondent. While I have no scientific data, I am convinced her reading experience with us helped her master her language development. It also developed her ability to express herself more confidently verbally and in the written word. By reading to her on a regular basis and then encouraging independent reading in her later years, we gave her a solid foundation for literacy.

Reading to children is critical in a child’s development. Reading books to little ones at an early age is essential and reading children’s stories aloud is one of the most important activities we can do for and with our children.

Written by Author Karen D. Cuthrell ©2009 Author of Meet the Feeling Friends


Meet the feeling friends
Emotions tell us how we feel about different situations. Children feel all types of emotions and don’t always understand them. They may not know what to do with them when they feel them. Author Karen Cuthrell (a.k.a. KK) pre-to-beginner reader book series empowers children to identify and express the feelings that hide inside them waiting to be recognized and understood.

KK co-created the Feeling Friends 15 years ago as a response to her young daughter’s challenges with expressing her feelings openly and honestly. What began as an interactive puppet show for preschoolers in the Metro DC area soon developed into a 13 book series and audio CD. KK and the Feeling Friends™ provides kids with the tools they’ll need to survive the big, wide world of unidentified and unexpressed feelings.

Join KK and her friends on Feeling Free Island as she introduces you to her bakers' dozen of delightful friends. These characters bring out an array of primary feelings; love, joy, worry, anger, sadness, happiness, loneliness, grumpiness, shyness, panic, caution and confidence!

Meet just a few of the feeling friends:

LOTTA THE LOVAROO
Lotta the LovaRoo is the matriarch of the Feelings Friends. She’s loving, patient, encouraging, and honest. She allows the children and Feeling Friends the space to learn from her wisdom and use his/her own reasoning to learn how to identify, express, and deal with his/her own feelings.

WORRY THE FEAR WORM
Worry represents fear. Worry is constantly scared something terrible is going to happen. He can never see the bright side of the story on his own.



JOEY THE JOY BIRD
Joey represents joy. He is a parrot with brilliant colors and a joyous, loud voice.




FLUTTER THE SHY BUTTERFLY
Flutter represents shyness. She wears glasses and braces and often just flutters away if people get too close.




GRISWALD THE GRUMPY GRIZZLY
Griswald represents grumpiness. He loves to sleep and takes as many naps as he can in his cave deep in the forest.




Meet the Feeling Friends is the first of thirteen books in the Feeling Friends series. Journey to Feeling Free Island and join KK as she introduces each of the 12 Feeling Friends. Each friend reveals his or her identity through engaging rhymes and colorful illustrations. The remaining 12 books in the series, and a compilation audio CD of the character songs will be available in April 2009.


Cuthrell will be presenting her concept at the National Head Start Association at its 36th Annual National Training Conference in Orlando, Florida April 27-May 2, 2009. Come out and show your support!